Conference of International Society for Fluoride Research on Wednesday

Source: The Hans India | November 6th, 2016

The International Society for Fluoride Research in association with National Institute of Nutrition is hosting the 33rd conference at the National Institute of Nutrition in the city from November 9 to 11 in the city. The theme this year is ‘Debilitating Fluorosis: Current Status, Health Challenges & Mitigation Measures’. The three-day conference will be inaugurated by Minister for Health Dr C Laxma Reddy.

About 18 delegates from China, Turkey, Iran, New Zealand, Japan, United States and Thailand are expected to participate in the conference. The delegation includes Dr Sunsanee Rajchagool, President, International Committee of the Society for Fluorosis from Thailand and eminent Defluoridation scientist E Dahi from Tanzania. Around 180 delegates from across India are also expected to participate in the conference.

Commenting on the event, Dr Arjun Khandare, Vice-President and Organising Secretary, International Committee of the Society for Fluorosis said, “The aim of this conference is to share and discuss the results of the research on Fluorosis undertaken across the globe to help tackle the issue efficiently. As many as 110 abstract and poster presentations are expected to be made during the event and two of the best papers would be presented with Niloufer Chinoy Awards for the best oral and poster presentations by the researchers aged less than 35 years of age.”

Dr AS Narayana, Member of the Organising Committee, who spent last 30 years on the research in the fluoride affected region in Nalgonda, said “The fruits of research on Fluorosis should reach the people who are suffering the most. Our work in the villages of Fluoride-hit Nalgonda district in the last few years has given tremendous results in getting rid of the menace gradually.”

“Many other measures undertaken during our research would be discussed during the conference in detail,” he said. A brainstorming session to discuss public policy initiatives and formulate a policy for mitigating fluoride menace which would be submitted to the Government is scheduled on Thursday. Chief Patron of Society for Fluorosis Research, and Member of Parliament Dr Burra Narsaiah would be taking part along with some eminent members of the society in the session.